A Matter of Perspective

Let me be blunt—I do not like snow. I think I have been very clear about this.

But let me further say that it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without at least a little snow.

I know Santa doesn’t need snow to make his reindeer-drawn sleigh travel on Christmas eve. But a Minnesota Christmas without snow? That just doesn’t sound right and it sure doesn’t look right.

I decided that I like a little snow on Christmas. I also decided that if I don’t get that snow, I am going to play “Crabby Santa” as illustrated in the photo at the right.

Actually, I am good either way. What will really make me be the “Crabby Santa” is the fact that I may not be able to spend Christmas with all of my family.

That makes me very sad—even a bit “crabby” some might say.

Sure I can talk to them on the phone or over video chat, but it’s not the same as being able to see someone in person. To be able to smell the familiar smells of the holiday meal. To snack on my sister and brother-in-law’s famous cheese ball. To give my loved ones a hug and tell them Merry Christmas to their face.

Although we are not under martial law and I could go wherever I want for Christmas, I am not willing to risk my health or the health of my loved ones by hanging around their house at Christmas.

If you read my story about my COVID-19 experience, you then know that this can be a lot more than just a case of the sniffles. It can be downright deadly as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of people who have died from it.

I kind of like my loved ones and would like to see them continue living!

I won’t really be going anywhere as “Crabby Santa.” I probably won’t be going anywhere at all.

That will not stop me from remembering why we celebrate Christmas, though.

As we reflect on the true meaning of Christmas this season, let our hearts be ready for the Savior who is born unto us.